Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

About the Program

This program provides extensive theory and hands-on training pertaining to the heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning fields. This growing trades area changes rapidly and this program incorporates studies dealing with current HVAC topics including green technologies. It also provides foundational skills in general sheet metal, gas, and electrical. The practical courses taking place in the HVAC Centre are designed to train students to enter the field with all the skills necessary for employment. Students may have the opportunity to write the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 and G2 Gas Technician exams.

Admission Procedures

An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.

Ten (10) additional marks are added to each advanced level, OAC, U,U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.

A sound mathematical and English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

Program Requirements

Applicants are advised that manual dexterity and the ability to work at heights and in various climatic conditions are frequent prerequisites for employment in this field. The physical demands of this program reflect industry requirements (e.g. lifting, carrying, climbing, etc.) and require students to be physically fit in order to participate adequately.

Students are expected to demonstrate the same attention to attendance, punctuality and conduct as would be required by the business or industry in which they expect to be employed.

Students are required to provide their own CSA-approved footwear, hard hat, clear safety glasses, and specified hand tools. The college provides all other tools required. Students will have the opportunity to buy their specified hand tools in a kit during the first week of the program for a discounted cost. The list of required tools will be provided to students during orientation.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition fee details for the 2018-2019 year are listed below. Books and supplies are additional.

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates are well prepared to enter into an apprenticeship in a related trade, entry-level work in the gas technician field, or mechanical systems sales and service.

On average, 92% of graduates from the last three years (2014 to 2016) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Program Courses

Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. Hours: 42Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course will introduce the student to the basic theory of electricity and to the electrical test instruments used throughout the HRAC industry. Using Ohm's and Watts law the students will interpret electrical calculations and be exposed to troubleshooting electrical test boards and project. Where group work is involved, evaluations of group members will be included. Project work will enable students to practice the interpretation of electrical wiring, pictorial and schematic diagrams, and to apply safe practices, in typical HRAC industry work environments. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will be introduced to the characteristics, properties, basic fundamentals, and safety aspects associated with natural gas and propane. They will describe the combustion process, and the problems arising from incomplete combustion as well as identify the different testing methods for carbon monoxide and gas leaks. Students will identify and select the appropriate tools and documentation, to properly and safely install a piping, tubing system. Students will be instructed on the general safety requirements for the job site and be introduced to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: The student will receive a basic introduction of the theory and practices relating to refrigeration systems. Topics include: the origin of refrigeration, basic hand tools, the refrigeration cycle, the four mechanical components and the safety aspects to be considered. The students participate in tubing connection projects on flaring, swaging and tube bending from data on mechanical drawings and will be expected to identify, care for, and safely use hand tools.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This is an intermediate course in electrical theory and practical application where students will build upon the theoretical and practical knowledge gained in Electrical I. The course focuses on service technician skills and provides students with the practical background required for operating and selecting power actuated tools and fasteners. Emphasis will be placed on reading schematic wiring diagrams, wiring, and troubleshooting control circuits containing relays, timers, motor starters and controls. This course will also deal with the electrical construction and maintenance worker's safety manual along with the knowledge and use of the application of fastening devices and power actuated tools. In addition, students will learn to communicate with customers in order to evaluate and diagnose concerns. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 70Credits: 4Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course deals with the interpretation of the current B-149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, and B149.2 Propane Storage and Handling Code. The students will interpret the Ontario Amendments to the current codes, which include the following acts and regulations; the Technical Standards and Safety Act 2000, Ontario Regulation 212/01 Gaseous Fuels, Ontario Regulation 211/01 Propane Storage and Handling, Ontario Regulation 215/01 Fuel Industry Certificates, and Ontario Regulation 223/01 Codes and Standard Adopted By Reference. Students will identify the appropriate steps and procedures to follow when a hazardous situation arises and describe how to coordinate services to ensure safety and customer concerns are addressed.Hours: 28Credits: 2Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will continue to build upon Heating I skills and address types and classifications of gas and propane fired appliances, the ignition systems found on gas fired appliances, and the associated safe handling practices. Safe sizing and installation of venting, and combustion air requirements, will be completed using mathematical equations from the appropriate codes and standards. Students will interpret manufacturers' specifications and drawings to place and install various classes of gas fired equipment and know how to convert appliances from natural gas to propane and propane to natural gas. Additional topics include combustion analyses on all types of appliances, identification of burner types, and the associated sequence of operations. Attention to the proper completion and maintenance of related documents will be addressed. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Based on knowledge obtained in Refrigeration I, the basic components of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, students will describe the use of basic refrigeration accessories for the control and safe operation of cooling appliances. The safe selection and operation of condensers, evaporators, compressors and metering devices will be discussed and practiced. Students will explore the relation to service and operation as they are found in the residential and commercial sector of the refrigeration industry. Refrigerant safety and handling, including leak testing and evacuation using current industry equipment will be covered. Students will attend to the organizational and regulated practices relating to ozone depletion, by maintaining log books, and tracking refrigerant contents according to organizational and regulated environmental requirements and legislation Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours

Description: The study of HRAC motor systems along with phase electrical motors and wiring configurations constitute the focus of this electrical course, a continuation of Electrical II. Students will explain the recommended sequence of operations for all aspects of the HRAC trade, and complete troubleshooting and safe diagnosis exercises in a lab environment, using appropriate customer service skills to communicate to customers and coworkers. Students will be expected to comply with related safety procedures and practices. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 70Credits: 4Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Using the knowledge and skills gained from Heating II, students advance to study types of natural gas and propane regulators, natural gas meters, and their associated applications and operations. High pressure piping systems will be introduced. Propane tank and cylinder placement will be discussed, along with the effect of location on safety and performance. Students will install venting and combustion air components requirements for gas fired appliances according to industry standards, as well as troubleshoot various service situations. Students will select equipment based on customers' needs and available equipment. Project work will replicate a typical residential forced air gas heating system installation, along with all necessary documentation.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: This course advances knowledge from previous Refrigeration courses by addressing residential and commercial air conditioning systems, and their applications. In meeting customer needs, students will consider factors such as load sizing, system and building design and layout, and piping and brazing requirements. Mathematical calculations and manufacturer's data will be used to achieve systems that operate safely and meet requirements. This knowledge will then be applied to practical projects including residential split systems and rooftop package units. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 84Credits: 5Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours

Description: Students will install and commission various types of gas fired appliances including vented and non-vented systems, based upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous Heating courses. Topics include organization of materials and tools, piping systems layout and sizing, and interpretation and application of associated tables and codes needed for appliance installation. Project work will replicate typical on the job work orders.Hours: 70Credits: 4Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Integrating learning from previous refrigeration courses, students will perform many typical trade services to both refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Students will troubleshoot and repair systems based on their knowledge of order of operations, manufacturers' literature and technical drawings, all according to recommended safe practices and procedures. All projects replicate actual scenarios that students will encounter once employed in the field.Hours: 70Credits: 4Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will learn how to operate test equipment and identify systems using manufacturers' data, customer needs and building system requirements. They will research, and document future green heating and cooling systems that will become viable to the customer. Students study and communicate the principles of heat, moisture, air flow, the building envelope, and the effects on indoor air quality as well as the basic functions of ventilation systems. Simple schematic diagrams will be completed, in addition to the application of drafting scales. By applying various mathematical methods, working on their own and in groups, students will learn to calculate problems involving units O.D. measurement and conversion factors. Students will be expected to explain the various aspects of drawing types and views, graphs and charts, as they relate to trade documentation.Hours: 42Credits: 3Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Description: Students will study types, components and methods of installation for hydronic heating systems while ensuring installation is in accordance with codes, and manufacturer's guidelines. Water heaters and hot water combination systems will also be addressed, taking into account proper selection and sizing to meet customer requirementsHours: 42Credits: 2Pre-Requisites:CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours

Program Outcomes

Interact appropriately with heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning personnel.

Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.

Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.

Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.